Template for the Literary SF Gimmick Story
Feb. 1st, 2013 11:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stormsewerI've noticed a certain trend among many recent SF stories that seem to be trying very hard to be fresh and original, but in fact all fit a similar pattern. I've dubbed them "Literary SF Gimmick Stories," and this is how you write one:
(1) Start with a standard lit-fic theme, typically a failing relationship of some kind, for that oh-so-important "human" angle;
(2) tack on a speculative element so you can call it SF (and don't worry if your idea is hackneyed; do it right, and you'll look even more clever for having made 'art' out of it); and
(3) top it off with some outrageous structural or stylistic gimmick to show everyone avant garde you are.
I suppose I won't point out specific examples on the off-chance that someone relevant actually reads this, but let's just say these tenets might as well be in the submission guidelines for certain of the more well-known online mags.
(1) Start with a standard lit-fic theme, typically a failing relationship of some kind, for that oh-so-important "human" angle;
(2) tack on a speculative element so you can call it SF (and don't worry if your idea is hackneyed; do it right, and you'll look even more clever for having made 'art' out of it); and
(3) top it off with some outrageous structural or stylistic gimmick to show everyone avant garde you are.
I suppose I won't point out specific examples on the off-chance that someone relevant actually reads this, but let's just say these tenets might as well be in the submission guidelines for certain of the more well-known online mags.
